Sam Clarke, a health play specialist at Mid and South Essex Foundation Trust, is using her own experience of being born prematurely to help sick children cope with hospital life. She works at Basildon Hospital, the very place where she was delivered weighing less than 2lb.
From premature baby to play specialist
Sam joined the trust 14 years ago and now uses specialised therapeutic play techniques to prepare young patients for major surgery and support them during long ward stays. Her unique perspective stems from her own start in life, which she says fuels her empathy for the children she cares for.
Growing up as an only child, Sam developed a deep sense of compassion while supporting her mother through mental health challenges. She initially worked in local nurseries after studying childcare, before a neighbour encouraged her to apply for a specialist play role at the hospital. She later completed a degree in Health Play Specialism and even delivered the vote of thanks speech at her graduation ceremony.
Drawing on personal experience
Reflecting on her journey, Sam said: "I was often the eyes and ears for somebody else. Looking back, that's probably where my desire to help people came from." She added: "I didn't think I was good enough, but my neighbour told me to believe in myself."
Her past has given her a deeper level of compassion, helping vulnerable children feel safe in a clinical environment. One poignant moment involved helping grieving siblings draw pictures of a brother or sister who had died in the emergency department.
Play as more than distraction
Sam commented: "Through play, the children were able to draw pictures of their sibling dancing in heaven. I've learned that sometimes it's the smallest things that make the biggest difference." She continued: "For staff like me, play in hospital is more than just a distraction."
Specialists use evidence-based techniques to help children manage difficult treatments, express their feelings, and recover emotionally from trauma. The importance of this work was nationally recognised last year with the launch of the official NHS Play Well Toolkit, which sets clear standards across the health service and recognises therapeutic play as an essential part of paediatric care.
